Several new developments have been taking place at the family-owned Hamilton Princess Hotel recently, including the opening this week of Marcus Samuelsson's flagship restaurant Marcus' (more on that later), but for some reason we have been more interested in the launch of the new Beach Club which opened to hotel guests yesterday. Having followed the progress of the project on Instagram, we were happy to finally be able to visit the property in person and were given a tour of the facilities.

Located on an idyllic half moon stretch of sand on the island's south shore, the west-facing beach is perfect for sunsets. The building which houses the club's restaurant and lounge area has been designed to make the most of its location facing the placid, blue waters of the bay and nothing takes away from the main attraction: the wide, sandy beach. The design of the club includes some ingenious solutions necessary because of its location. The building is made up of modular components, the main structure of which is augmented by the use of several purpose-built mobile trailers which house shower facilities and also comprise the kitchens where light and healthy meals from a menu designed by Marcus Samuelsson are prepared in a manner similar to that of a food truck.

The open structure is a mix of rustic and elegant finishes with the main concrete building softened by planks of unfinished and whitewashed wood. The high ceilings have been left open to the rafters providing architectural interest and allowing the free flow of the cooling trade winds through the space. The furniture is functional and sturdy with nautical touches and quirky design elements.

It is evident that guests' comfort takes precedence and has been carefully considered with all attempts having been made to ensure that their experience at the club is an enjoyable one. Even on the windy day we visited, the sheltered location ensured that the water remained relatively calm and the beach is dotted with palm trees (a rarity on the island) for shade. Guests can choose to lounge under umbrellas while receiving chair service from the restaurant or nap in one of several hammocks swinging in the breeze. The more adventurous can explore the trails that lead away from the main beach.

The Beach Club is the first phase of a new development and plans are in place to introduce water sports and other activities in the near future.